External photographic wireless communication device

ABSTRACT

An external photographic wireless communication device for connection to a camera body having a hot shoe connector for connecting to the camera body and a hot shoe connector for conntecting to one or more accessory devices. Each of the hot shoe connectors includes a plurality of contacts. The device includes a switching element for selectively disconnecting one or more of the plurality of contacts in one hot shoe connector from a corresponding respective one of the other hot shoe connector.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/129,402, filed May 29, 2008, entitled “System and Method forMaintaining Hot Shoe Communications Between a Camera and a WirelessDevice,” now allowed, which application claims the benefit of priorityof U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/030,558, filed Feb.21, 2008, and titled “Photographic Wireless Communication For LightingDevice Control,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/940,693, filed May 29, 2007, and titled “Camera Hot Shoe WirelessCommunication Module and Method.” Each of these applications isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of photographicwireless communication. In particular, the present invention is directedto a system and method for maintaining hot shoe communications between acamera and a wireless device.

BACKGROUND

Various camera bodies are equipped with a hot shoe accessory connector.A flash lighting device may be connected, directly or through anextension cord, to the hot shoe connector. The emission of flash lightfrom the lighting device can be synchronized to an image acquisition bythe camera by a synchronization signal received by the lighting devicevia the connection to the hot shoe connector.

A remote flash lighting device can be triggered by wirelesssynchronization, which has been achieved using optical and radiofrequency communications to the remote flash device. Radio frequencysynchronization typically involves connecting a radio transmitter to thecamera body and a radio receiver to the remote flash device. The radiotransmitter sends a signal to the radio receiver to trigger the remoteflash device in synchronization with image acquisition by the camera.Some prior radio frequency systems include a transmitter at the remoteflash device for sending a confirmation signal back to the camera sideradio that indicates the flash-side radio successfully triggered of theflash device. However, a system where a remote flash device wirelesslytransmits information about the flash device itself to the camera bodyis not known to the inventor.

Through-the-lens (TTL) flash photographic control typically involves thecamera body measuring an amount of light provided by a flash lightingdevice during a test firing of the flash device. The measurement isperformed through the lens of the camera. The camera then provides anindication to the flash device connected to the hot shoe connector ofthe amount of light for a main flash to be used for image acquisition.The indication of the amount of light can be made by providing start andstop signals to the flash device via the hot shoe connector. In anotherexample, the indication of the amount of light can be made by providinga serial data via the hot shoe connector to the flash device connectedthereto that includes an adjustment to the amount of light that wasprovided in the test flash. The flash device in the hot shoe can triggera remote flash light by utilizing optical flash pulses (e.g., visiblelight or infrared light). The optical pulses can also be used to sendTTL power adjustments to the remote flash device. However, the remotelighting devices do not send information about the remote lightingdevice to the light device in the hot shoe connector of the camera body.Additionally, this system requires that a light emitting device beconnected to the hot shoe connector.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, an external photographic wireless communicationdevice for connection to a camera body is provided. The device includesa first hot shoe connector configured to connect to the camera body, thefirst hot shoe connector including a first synchronization contact and afirst set of one or more additional contacts; a second hot shoeconnector configured to connect to one or more accessory devices, thesecond hot shoe connector including a second synchronization contact anda second set of one or more additional contacts; a first wiredconnection between said first synchronization contact and said secondsynchronization contact; a plurality of additional wired connectionsbetween said first set and said second set; a switching element in linewith one or more switched electrical connections selected from the groupconsisting of one or more of said plurality of additional wiredconnections, said first wired connection, and any combinations thereof,said switching element configured to selectively disconnect said one ormore switched electrical connections between said first hot shoeconnector and said second hot shoe connector; and a wirelesscommunication circuitry for wirelessly communicating one or more signalsfrom one or more of said plurality of additional wired connection andsaid first wired connection to one or more remote devices.

In another embodiment, an external photographic wireless communicationdevice for connection to a camera body is provided. The device includesa first hot shoe connector configured to connect to the camera body, thefirst hot shoe connector including a first synchronization contact and afirst set of one or more additional contacts; a second hot shoeconnector configured to connect to one or more accessory devices, thesecond hot shoe connector including a second synchronization contact anda second set of one or more additional contacts; a first wiredconnection between said first synchronization contact and said secondsynchronization contact; a plurality of additional wired connectionsbetween said first set and said second set; a switching element in linewith said first wired connection, said switching element configured toselectively disconnect said first wired connection between said firsthot shoe connector and said second hot shoe connector; and a wirelesscommunication circuitry for wirelessly communicating one or more signalsfrom said first wired connection to one or more remote devices.

In yet another embodiment, an external photographic wirelesscommunication device for connection to a camera body is provided. Thedevice includes a first hot shoe connector configured to connect to thecamera body, the first hot shoe connector including a first plurality ofcontacts, the first plurality of contacts including a firstsynchronization contact and a first set of one or more additionalcontacts; a second hot shoe connector configured to connect to one ormore accessory devices, the second hot shoe connector including a secondplurality of contacts, the second plurality of contacts including asecond synchronization contact and a second set of one or moreadditional contacts; a means for connecting each of the first pluralityof contacts to a corresponding respective one of the second plurality ofcontacts; a means for selectively connecting and disconnecting one ormore of said first plurality of contacts with the correspondingrespective one of said second plurality of contacts; and a means forwirelessly communicating to one or more remote devices one or moresignals from one or more of said first plurality of contacts that isdisconnected from the corresponding respective one of said secondplurality of contacts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspectsof one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary implementation of a wirelesscommunication system for wireless communication between a camera bodyand a remote lighting device;

FIG. 2A illustrates one example of a hot shoe connector;

FIG. 2B illustrates another example of a hot shoe connector;

FIG. 3 illustrates one exemplary implementation of a wirelesscommunication device having a hot shoe connector;

FIG. 4 illustrates two exemplary implementations of a wirelesscommunication device having one or more hot shoe connectors;

FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary timing plots;

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another exemplary implementation of a wirelesscommunication device having hot shoe connectors;

FIG. 7 illustrates one exemplary implementation of a wirelesscommunication device having a pass-through hot shoe connector;

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary implementation of a wirelesscommunication device having a pass-through hot shoe connector;

FIG. 9 illustrates one exemplary implementation of a wirelesscommunication device having optical transmission and sensor capability;and

FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary implementation of a wirelesscommunication device having optical transmission and sensor capability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system and method is disclosed for serial communication between acamera body and a wireless communication device connected to a hot shoeconnector of the camera body. In one exemplary implementation, flashdevice data from a remote lighting device may be wirelessly communicatedto the wireless communication device, which communicates the flashdevice data to the camera body via the hot shoe connector.

It has been determined that certain camera systems will not communicateserial data via the hot shoe connector of a camera body unless a serialcommunication compatible flash device is connected thereto. In oneembodiment, a wireless communication device connected to the hot shoeconnector of a camera body communicates serial data to the camera bodythat provides an indication to the camera body that mimics a flashdevice being connected to the hot shoe connector. One exemplary benefitof this “mock” indication is that serial communication between anon-flash wireless communication device and a camera body via a hot shoeconnector may be maintained even where a flash device is not connectedto the hot shoe connector. In one exemplary implementation the wirelesscommunication device communicates actual information about one or moreremote lighting devices (e.g., acquired by the wireless communicationdevice using radio frequency wireless communication) to the camera bodyvia the hot shoe connector.

FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary implementation of a wirelesscommunication system 100 for wireless communication between a camerabody 105 and a remote lighting device 110. A wireless communicationdevice 115 is connected to camera body 105 via a hot shoe connector 120.Wireless communication device 115 is shown as directly connected to hotshoe connector 120. In another example, wireless communication device115 may be connected to hot shoe connector 120 via an extension cable orother extension device.

Remote lighting device 110 is connected to a wireless communicationdevice 125. The connection between remote lighting device 110 andwireless communication device 125 is shown as a connection via a hotshoe connector 130 of remote lighting device 110. Wireless communicationdevice 125 may be connected to remote lighting device 110 in a varietyof ways. Example connections for wireless communication device 125 to aremote lighting device include, but are not limited to, a hot shoeconnector, an internal wiring connection (e.g., were remote lightingdevice 110 has an internal wireless communication functionality), andany combinations thereof. In one example, wireless communication device125 is connected in a manner and configured to receive flash data fromremote lighting device 110 for wireless communication to wirelesscommunication device 115. In one such example, a wireless communicationdevice associated with a remote flash device may include one or more ofthe features and aspects discussed herein with respect to a wirelesscommunication device connected to a hot shoe connector of a camera body.

Wireless communication device 115 includes an antenna 145 and associatedwireless communication circuitry for wirelessly transmitting andreceiving information to and/or from remote lighting device 110.Wireless communication device 125 includes an antenna 150 and associatedwireless communication circuitry for wirelessly transmitting andreceiving information to and/or from camera body 105. Example wirelesscommunication circuitry includes, but is not limited to, a receiver, atransmitter, a transceiver, and any combinations thereof. Antennas 145and 150 are illustrated as external antennas. In another example, anantenna may be partially or completely contained in a housing of awireless communication device.

In one exemplary implementation of the operation of system 100, camerabody 105 may communicate synchronization information and/or other cameradata to wireless communication device 115 via hot shoe connector 120.Part or all of the information may then be transmitted wirelessly viaradio frequency utilizing transmission circuitry and antenna 145.Antenna 150 detects the radio frequency signal. Circuitry of wirelesscommunication device 125 communicates the information to lighting device110 via hot shoe connection 130. Circuitry of lighting device 110utilizes the information for proper synchronization and/or other controlof lighting device (e.g., light emission from a lighting element 165 oflighting device 110).

In another exemplary implementation of the operation of system 100,flash data from lighting device 110 (e.g., flash readiness, flash mode,flash capability, make/model) may be communicated to camera body 105.Lighting device 110 communicates the information to wirelesscommunication device 125 via hot shoe connection 130. Wirelesscommunication device 125 processes the information for wirelesscommunication using radio frequency via transmission circuitry andantenna 150. Antenna 145 and receiver circuitry of wirelesscommunication device 115 receive the radio frequency transmission.Wireless communication device 115 communicates the information to camerabody 105 via hot shoe connector 120.

In yet another exemplary implementation of the operation of system 100,wireless communication device 115 utilizes flash data received fromremote flash device 110 to maintain serial communication with camerabody 105 via hot shoe connector 120.

A hot shoe connector (e.g., hot shoe connectors 120, 130) is a connectorin the photographic field typically utilized for attaching a flashdevice to a camera body. In one example, a hot shoe connector may be afemale connector. In another example, a hot shoe connector may be a maleconnector. Hot shoe connectors may have varying physical dimensions andcommunication contact configurations depending on a number of factors(e.g., manufacturer and model of the camera body). In one example, a hotshoe connector is a standardized hot shoe connector having dimensionsbased on a standard definition set by the International Organization forStandardization (e.g., ISO standard 518:2006). Certain camera bodiesproduced by Nikon and Canon utilize a standard dimensioned hot shoeconnector. Certain camera bodies produced by Minolta utilize a hot shoeconnector having dimensions that are not standardized (e.g., proprietaryto Minolta). Different camera manufacturers do utilize different hotshoe connection configurations. A hot shoe connector typically includesa flash synchronization contact (e.g., positioned in the center of thehot shoe connector). This flash synchronization contact may bestandardized across manufacturers. A flash synchronization contact of ahot shoe connector typically provides a voltage low signal to indicate asynchronization signal. A hot shoe connector may also include one ormore additional contacts utilized for communicating other data (e.g.,information about the camera, information about a flash device). Forexample, certain Nikon camera bodies include three additional datacontacts (e.g., one contact for data in/out of the camera, one contactfor ready status, and one contact for clock signal). In another example,certain Canon camera bodies include four additional data contacts (e.g.,one contact for data into the camera body, one contact for data out fromthe camera body, one contact for clock signal, one contact forwakeup/autofocus assist information). An example of a hot shoe connectorconfiguration and contact layout is discussed below with respect toFIGS. 2A and 2B.

One or more of the data contacts (e.g., the additional contacts that arenot the center synchronization contact) of a hot shoe connector mayutilize a serial protocol of communication. In one example, one or moreof the data contacts of a hot shoe connector may make up a serialperipheral interface (“SPI”). Camera and flash data communicated overthe one or more data contacts of a hot shoe connector may be referred toherein as SPI data. It is contemplated that where the term SPI data isutilized herein that other protocols of hot shoe connector datacommunication may be applied in addition to (or in place of) an SPIprotocol. It is also contemplated that asynchronous data communication(e.g., without clock) may be used. Additionally, it is noted thatdiffering camera manufacturers may utilize different command and/or datastructures within an SPI data construct. Discussion herein of cameradata, flash data, and SPI data contemplates that appropriate adjustmentsmay be taken in programming and configuration to accommodate variancesbased on protocol and manufacturer specific command and/or datastructures.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one example configuration of a hot shoeconnector 205 and a hot shoe connector 210. FIG. 2A illustrates hot shoeconnector 205 having a female configuration. In one example, a camerabody may include a hot shoe connector (e.g., hot shoe connector 120 ofFIG. 1) having a female configuration. Hot shoe connector 205 includes acenter synch contact 215 and three additional connectors 220, 225, and230. FIG. 2B illustrates hot shoe connector 210 having a maleconfiguration. In one example, a wireless communication device (e.g.,device 115 of FIG. 1) may include a hot shoe connector having a maleconfiguration. In another example, a lighting device (e.g., lightingdevice 110) may include a hot shoe connector having a maleconfiguration. In yet another example, a wireless communication device(e.g., device 125 of FIG. 1) may include a hot shoe connector having afemale configuration. Hot shoe connector 210 includes a center synchcontact 235 and three additional connectors 240, 245, and 250. A femalehot shoe connector, such as connector 205, and a male hot shoeconnector, such as connector 210, may be configured to mate with eachother such that their synchronization contacts and data contacts provideelectrical communication therebetween for a synchronization signaland/or photographic data (e.g., serial camera data and/or flash data).

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a wirelesscommunication device 305 having a hot shoe connector 310 with asynchronization contact 315 and data contacts 320, 325. Hot shoeconnector 310 is shown with two data contacts 320, 325 for convenienceof view. It is contemplated that a hot shoe connector, such as connector310 may have any number of data contacts. Wireless communication device305 includes a control circuitry 330 for controlling the operation ofthe wireless communication device. Control circuitry 330 may include aprocessor. Example processors include, but are not limited to, AtmelATmega168, AT90USB 1287, Texas Instruments CC1110, and any combinationsthereof. Wireless communication device 305 also includes a memory 335.Memory 335 is electrically connected with control circuitry 330. Memory335 may include machine executable instructions that may be executed bycontrol circuitry 330 consistent with one or more aspects and/orembodiments of the disclosure herein. Memory 335 may also include storeddata related to one or more remote lighting devices and/or otherelements of communication via hot shoe connector 310 with a camera bodyto which wireless communication device 305 is connected.

Wireless communication device 305 includes a wireless communicationcircuitry 340 and an antenna 345. Wireless communication circuitry 340is connected with control circuitry for providing wireless communicationto and/or from wireless communication device 305. Examples of wirelesscommunication circuitry include, but are not limited to, a receiver, atransmitter, a transceiver, and any combinations thereof. Wirelesscommunication circuitry 340 is shown as separate from control circuitry330 and memory 335. It is contemplated that any two or more of wirelesscommunication circuitry 340, control circuitry 330, and memory 335 maybe combined in an integrated circuitry. In another example, wirelesscommunication circuitry 340 may include a processing capability and/or amemory in addition to control circuitry 340 and memory 335. An exampleof a transceiver circuitry may include a ChipCon CC1110 (by TI) CPU andtransceiver all in one chip. Antenna 345 is shown as an externalantenna. In another example, antenna 345 may be configured completely orpartially within the body of device 305. In yet another example, antenna345 may be removable from device 305. In still another example, antenna345 may be adjustable with respect to its position relative to the bodyof device 305. Wireless communication device 305 also includes a powersource 350 for powering the operation of device 305 and its components.

Hot shoe connector 310 of wireless communication device 305 may beconnected to a hot shoe connector of a camera body. Wirelesscommunication device 305 may be utilized to provide wirelesscommunication and control between the camera body and one or more remotedevices (e.g., one or more remote lighting devices). In one example,camera data and flash data may be communicated between wirelesscommunication device 305 and the camera body via data contacts 320, 325(e.g., to facilitate wireless communication between the camera body anda remote device). In another example, hot shoe connector 310 may beconnected (e.g., directly, via cord, via a male/female hot shoeconnector adapter) to a remote flash device. In one such example,wireless communication device 305 may be configured to receive (e.g.,with control circuitry 330, memory 335, machine executable instruction,and/or other circuitry) flash data from the remote lighting device.Reception of flash data from a remote lighting device may occur in avariety of ways. In one example, a wireless communication functionalityconnected to a remote lighting device mimics the serial data (e.g.,camera data) that a lighting device would expect in order to communicateflash data (e.g., via a hot shoe connector or other connector).

Examples of camera data that may be communicated via one or more datacontacts of a hot shoe connector include, but are not limited to, acamera/film ISO (gain), a shutter speed, an aperture, an exposurecompensation value (e.g., a flash exposure compensation value, a cameraexposure compensation value), zoom distance, focus distance, exposurevalue, mode of operation, model compatibility, protocol revision data,auto-flash mode indication, a distance from the camera to a subject, azoom factor, an indication that pre-flash is not used during auto-mode,and any combinations thereof. The use of the term “ISO” data and/orvalue in reference to camera and/or flash data herein is meant torepresent a standard way of measuring the sensitivity of film (in filmphotography) and the sensitivity of a sensor (in digital photography).Such a sensitivity may also be referred to as a gain. In one example,ISO/gain sensitivity data represents a sensitivity value based on ISOstandard 5800:1987. In another example, ISO/gain sensitivity datarepresents a sensitivity value based on ISO standard 12232:2006.

Examples of flash data that may be communicated via a one or more datacontacts of a hot shoe connector (e.g., from a remote flash device to awireless communication device, from a wireless communication device to acamera body) include, but are not limited to, a flash readiness data, aflash tilt indicator (e.g., flash head tilted, flash head not tilted),remote flash zone setting value, model compatibility, remote/localmode(s), a flash zoom value (e.g., flash zoom quantitative value, flashzoom movement complete/not complete value), a protocol revision data, aTTL mode, an indication of flash model, a flash battery power status,and any combinations thereof. In one example, flash data is communicatedvia a hot shoe connector from a flash device to a wireless communicationdevice connected thereto (e.g., directly, with an extension cord). Inanother example, flash data is communicated via a connector other than ahot shoe connector from a flash device to a wireless communicationdevice (e.g., wireless communication device 125). In yet anotherexample, flash data is communicated via a hot shoe connector from awireless communication device to a camera body.

As discussed above, a synchronization signal from a camera body can beutilized to synchronize the operation of a remote device (e.g., thefiring of a remote flash device, triggering a remote camera) and/ortriggering a flash device connected to the hot shoe connector (e.g., viaa wire, directly inserted in the hot shoe connector, inserted in a hotshoe connector of a pass-through wireless communication device connectedto the hot shoe connector of the camera body). Camera data communicatedvia one or more of the additional contacts (e.g., not the centersynchronization contact) of a hot shoe connector may be utilized in avariety of ways. In one example, camera and flash data may be exchangedvia the hot shoe connector in a TTL (through the lens) lighting mode.Various versions of TTL lighting control may be utilized. Example TTLlighting control protocols include, but are not limited to, A-TTL(advanced TTL), E-TTL (evaluative TTL), E-TTL II, i-TTL (a Nikonvariant), D-TTL (another Nikon variant), and any combinations thereof(verify combinations).

Data to be communicated from a wireless communication device to a camerabody may represent a status (e.g., light ready, flash zoom value, etc)of one or more lighting devices to be controlled by a wirelesscommunication device. In another example, data for communication from awireless communication device to a camera body may representidentification information (e.g., lighting device model data, maximumlight power data) about one or more lighting devices to be controlled bya wireless communication device. In yet another example, data forcommunication from a wireless communication device to a camera body mayrepresent zone settings for one or more lighting devices to becontrolled by a wireless communication device.

In one exemplary implementation, one or more data elements to beprovided to a camera body from a wireless communication device via oneor more data contacts of a hot shoe is actual data from a remotelighting device not connected to the hot shoe connector of the camerabody. In one such example, the wireless communication device utilizeswireless communication to retrieve the one or more actual data elementsfrom the one or more remote lighting devices. For example, referringagain to FIG. 1, camera body 105 makes a request for information relatedto a lighting device to be controlled using information provided via ahot shoe communication. Wireless communication device 115 wirelesslycommunicates to one or more of wireless communication devices (e.g.,wireless communication device 125) requesting the information. Thecorresponding wireless communication device communicates with thecorresponding remote lighting device 110 to obtain the information. Theone or more of the wireless communication devices communicate theinformation wirelessly to wireless communication device 115. Wirelesscommunication device 115 communicates the flash data to camera body 105via hot shoe connector 120.

The timing of retrieval of actual data values from one or more remotelighting devices may occur at one or more of a variety of times withrespect to a communication from a camera body. Examples of such timinginclude, but are not limited to, wireless retrieval of the informationfrom a remote lighting device at a time other than when the camera bodyrequests the information, retrieval at substantially the same time asthe request (e.g., in real time), retrieval at a time prior to therequest, retrieval at a time after an initial request and prior to asubsequent request, retrieval during a power-on/wake status cycle priorto the request, retrieval between a wake up status indicator and aninitial burst of communication from a camera body, retrieval during thetime between bursts of data communication between a camera body and awireless communication device, and any combinations thereof. In oneexample, a request is made from a camera body, the wirelesscommunication device immediately requests the actual data value from oneor more lighting devices (e.g., local, remote), the lighting devicereturns the information, and the wireless communication devicecommunicates the data to the camera body via one or more contacts of thehot shoe connector. In another example, the wireless communicationdevice can hold off a camera request for a data value by utilizing ahandshake signal (RTS, CTS) back to the camera that tells the camera thewireless communication device is not ready for the next request. Incertain situations (e.g., certain camera configurations and/orcommunications protocols), such immediate retrieval and communicationmay not be possible fast enough to satisfy the requirements of thecamera body. In one such example situation, the camera body maydiscontinue hot shoe communications (e.g., determining that a lightingdevice/a wireless communication device mimicking a lighting device isnot connected to the hot shoe) if the camera body does not receive aproper return communication from the wireless communication device inthe hot shoe.

A wireless communication device may be configured with a memory forstoring information related to the operation of the wirelesscommunication device. Examples of a memory include, but are not limitedto, a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a disk drive, and anycombinations thereof. Examples of information that may be stored in amemory include, but are not limited to, actual flash data from one ormore remote lighting devices, default flash, other data, instructionsfor operating the wireless communication device, and any combinationsthereof. In one example, a memory may store actual flash data related toone or more lighting devices that is retrieved wirelessly utilizing awireless communication circuitry of the wireless communication device.In such an example, the wireless communication device may retrieve oneor more data elements from one or more lighting devices, such as at atime between a wake up status indication (e.g., wake from sleep ofcamera, power on of camera) and an initial data communication from thecamera body. In another such example, the wireless communication devicemay retrieve one or more data elements from one or more lighting devicesat power on of the wireless communication device. In yet another suchexample, the wireless communication device may retrieve one or more dataelements from one or more lighting devices after an initial request fordata by a camera body. In still another such example, the wirelesscommunication device may retrieve one or more data elements from one ormore lighting devices between data communication series from a camerabody.

In a another exemplary implementation, a wireless communication devicemay wirelessly request updates of data from one or more remote devicesfor storage in a memory at a rate that is much faster than the rate ofiteration of hot shoe communication between a camera body and thewireless communication device. In one example, a time between iterationsof hot shoe data exchange may be about 30 to about 80 milliseconds. Insuch an example, wireless communication and retrieval of data from oneor more remote devices may be able to occur, for example, in about a fewmilliseconds per exchange. In one aspect, the memory of the wirelesscommunication device may likely have the most recent actual value forone or more data elements requested by a camera body.

In still another exemplary implementation, one or more data elements tobe provided to a camera body from a wireless communication device viaone or more data contacts of a hot shoe is a value known by the wirelesscommunication device. A value known by a wireless communication devicemay be stored in a memory of the wireless communication device (e.g.,until used, for a set period of time). Such a value may be a defaultvalue for a particular flash data

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary implementation of wirelesscommunication between a camera body 405 and one or more remote devices.Camera body 405 includes a wireless communication device 410 connectedvia a hot shoe connector 415 of camera body 405 and a hot shoe connector420 of wireless communication device 410. In an alternativeimplementation, a camera body 425 may have a wireless communicationdevice 430 connected thereto via a hot shoe connector 435 of camera body425 and a hot shoe connector 440 of wireless communication device 430.Wireless communication device 430 also includes an additional hot shoeconnector 445 configured to allow connection of a lighting device 450 tocamera body 425 via wireless communication device 430 and circuitrytherein for connecting the contacts of hot shoe connector 445 with hotshoe connector 440. Wireless communication device 430, lighting device450, and camera body 425 are shown in a separated position forillustrative purposes. Operation of wireless communication device 430,lighting device 450, and camera body 425 may include a requirement thatthe elements be operatively connected. Examples of wirelesscommunication devices having hot shoe pass-through (e.g., directpass-through, indirect pass-through having communications interceptedvia a processor) are discussed further below with respect to FIGS. 7 and8. The following discussions will utilize wireless communication device410 for discussion purposes. It should be noted that another hot shoewireless communication device as described herein, such as a hot shoebypass wireless communication device (e.g., device 430), may also beutilized. Device 430 will be discussed where appropriate to describerelevant functionality of the bypass.

FIG. 4 also illustrates a plurality of remote lighting devices 452, 454,456, 458, each having a hot shoe connector 462, 464, 466, 468,respectively. Remote lighting devices 452, 454, 456, 458 are eachassociated with a corresponding wireless communication device 472, 474,476, 478. Wireless communication devices 472, 474, 476, 478 each have ahot shoe connector 482, 484, 486, 488, respectively. Hot shoe connectors462, 464, 466, 468 are configured for connecting to hot shoe connectors482, 484, 486, 488, respectively. In one example, wireless communicationdevices 472, 474, 476, 478 are each configured to communicate with thecorresponding lighting device 452, 454, 456, 458 via the hot shoeconnectors to receive from the corresponding lighting device one or moreflash data for wireless communication (e.g., using a wirelesscommunication circuitry, a control circuitry, an antenna, etc.) towireless communication device 410 and/or 430. Although shown asconnectable via hot shoe connection, each of lighting devices 452, 454,456, 458 and corresponding wireless communication devices 472, 474, 476,478 may be connected in a different manner (e.g., via the wirelesscommunication functionality of one or more of wireless communicationdevices 472, 474, 476, 478 being internal to corresponding ones oflighting devices 452, 454, 456, 458; by another type of externalconnection). It should also be noted that a wireless communicationdevice connected to a hot shoe connector of a camera body may also beutilized to communicate wirelessly to and/or from one or more otherremote devices other than a lighting device (e.g., a remote camera, aremote light metering device, a remote color metering device,).

It is noted that although FIG. 4 illustrates four remote lightingdevices, any number of one or more lighting devices may be communicatedto/from utilizing a wireless communication device as discussed herein(e.g., devices 410, 430). Lighting devices as discussed herein mayinclude any of a variety of lighting devices. Example lighting devicesinclude, but are not limited to, a flash device (e.g., a studio flashpack, a speedlight), a continuous lighting device (e.g., a modelinglight, a continuous studio light), and any combinations thereof.

Wireless communication with a plurality of remote devices may occur in avariety of ways. In one example, communication to each remote device mayoccur on a different wireless communication channel. In another example,two or more remote devices may share a channel. In one such example,multiple sets of remote devices sharing channels may exist. In anothersuch example, a single set of two or more remote devices share achannel. In yet another example, a wireless communication may utilizeaddressing to control communication with multiple remote devices (e.g.,assigning a unique address to each remote device, assigning a uniqueaddress to sets of remote devices). In still another example,communication to each remote device or each set of remote devices mayoccur substantially simultaneously. In still yet another example,communication to each remote device or each set of remote devices mayoccur sequentially.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in one exemplary implementation, wirelesscommunication device 410 is configured to respond to requests for datafrom camera body 405 made via data contacts of hot shoe connectors 415,420 with responses that include flash data from one or more of remotelighting devices 452, 454, 456, 458 (e.g., responses of flash data thatmimic a lighting device connected to hot shoe connector 415). In oneexample, camera body 405 may expect to receive in response to itsrequest flash data corresponding to a local flash device connected toits hot shoe connector. Where there is no flash device connected to thehot shoe connector (e.g., wireless communication device 410 in hot shoeconnector 415) there is no local flash data to respond. In one exemplaryaspect, camera body 405 may stop communication via data contacts of hotshoe connector 415 if a lighting device that communicates appropriateSPI-type data is not connected to hot shoe connector 415 or does notrespond appropriately. As stated before a wireless communication device,such as device 410, can be used in place of that lighting device tomaintain hot shoe communication from the camera body (e.g., by usingactual flash data from one or more remote devices to substitute for theflash data requested by the camera body). In one example, thecommunication obtained by a wireless communication device (e.g., device410, 430) with the camera body is used to obtain data elements to beused by local and/or remote lighting devices for lighting control.

In one example, camera body 405 upon wakeup (e.g., flash/wirelesscommunication device insertion in hot shoe connector, power on,half-press of trigger, full-press of trigger) provides voltage to one ormore of the data contacts and/or synchronization contact of hot shoeconnector 415. After a period of time (e.g., several milliseconds), thecamera initiates an initial data communication via the data contacts ofthe hot shoe connector. In this example, a wireless communication devicecapable of mimicking a lighting device is connected to the camera hotshoe (e.g., as in camera body 405 and wireless communication device410). The initial data exchange between the camera body and wirelesscommunication device may include one or more requests/commands andresponses. Exemplary data communication from a camera body during aninitial data exchange may include, but is not limited to, a statusrequest for information from the flash device, a model request, a cameramode setting, and any combinations thereof. The wireless communicationdevice responds to commands for information from the camera body byproviding appropriate data via the data contacts of the hot shoeconnector. Examples of data communication provided from a wirelesscommunication device to a camera body at the initial round of dataexchange include, but are not limited to, ready status, compatibility,dynamic power range, mode of operation, and any combinations thereof. Inone example, the data provided to the camera body is a flash data. Inone such example, the data is a flash data that has been retrieved(and/or updated) from a remote lighting device. In another such example,the data is a flash data that is a default value that is known to beresponsive to the request, but that may not necessarily have beenretrieved as actual flash data of one or more remote lighting devices. Adefault value may be stored in a memory and a control circuitryassociates the default value with the request (e.g., when there is noactual value available).

After the initial exchange of data, a period of time may elapse beforean additional exchange of data occurs via the hot shoe connector. In oneexample, if image acquisition does not occur and the camera does not gointo a sleep mode (e.g., power off, power down), an additional round ofhot shoe data communication may occur between the camera body and thewireless communication device. In another example, one or moreadditional rounds of hot shoe data communication between the camera bodyand the wireless communication device may occur repeating (e.g., with aperiod of time between each round) until image acquisition sequence or asleep status is initiated. In one exemplary aspect, each round of dataexchange may serve to update information obtained in an initial dataexchange or a previous iteration of the one or more additional rounds ofdata exchange (e.g., update a shutter speed, update an aperture value,update flash ready status), communicate additional information notexchanged in an initial data exchange, update exposure compensation, andany combinations thereof. In another exemplary aspect, additional roundsof data exchange may optionally not include requests for certaininformation to/from a camera body and/or wireless communication device(e.g., if such information is unlikely to be modified, such as cameramodel information and flash device model information) that may have beenmade in an earlier round.

FIG. 5 illustrates several exemplary aspects of various implementationsof an information exchange via data connectors of a hot shoe connector.FIG. 5 includes a first timing plot (A) for data communicated from acamera body (e.g., body 405) to a wireless communication device (e.g.,device 410) via a hot shoe connector on one or more data contacts. Theplot begins with a wake up indication. A wake status may occur for acamera body in various situations. Examples of such situations include,but are not limited to, half-press of a trigger (e.g., when camera is ina sleep status), full-press of a trigger button (note the timing plotsof FIG. 5 include a full-press trigger later in time), power-on,insertion of wireless communications functionality into camera hot shoe,and any combinations thereof. In this example, a wake status isindicated by a rise in voltage on one or more of the hot shoe's datacontacts (e.g., one or more of the data contacts of hot shoe connector415). After a period of time an initial series of data communications iscommunicated out from the camera body to the wireless communicationdevice via the hot shoe begins (“initial burst of data”). In oneexample, such an initial series may request identification and/or statusinformation related to one or more lighting devices (e.g., attempting torequest flash data for a local flash device) and/or provide statusand/or identification information about the camera body. FIG. 5 alsoincludes a second timing plot (B) for data communicated from thewireless communication device to the camera body via one or more datacontacts of the hot shoe. In response to the initiation of the initialseries of data from the camera body, a series of data is communicatedvia one or more of the data contacts to the camera body from thewireless communication device (shown on line (B)). In one example, thisresponse includes flash data. In another example, this response includesactual flash data from one or more remote flash devices.

The one or more data contacts may handle data communicated in and out ofthe camera body from/to the wireless communication device in a varietyof ways. Such handling may depend on the configuration and/or protocolof communication for a particular camera body (e.g., different modelsand/or manufacturers may utilize differing communications protocols). Inone example, for every bit of data communicated out from the camera, abit of data is communicated back from the wireless communication device.In such an example, data is flowing in and out via the hot shoesimultaneously (e.g., in a full duplex fashion). In one example, one ormore blank value bits may be returned from a wireless communicationdevice while a camera body is communicating initial bits of information.In one such example, a first contact is used of input and a secondcontact is used for output from the camera body. In another example, abyte of data is communicated out from the camera and then a byte of datais communicated back from the wireless communication device. In one suchexample, one contact may be utilized for input and output communicationswith the camera body. FIG. 5 illustrates data from the wirelesscommunication device to the camera body occurring at a different timefrom data from the camera body to the wireless communication device.

Referring again to the first (A) and second (B) timing plots of FIG. 5,after another period of time a subsequent series of data communicationfrom the camera body to the wireless communication device initiates(“1^(st) iterative burst”). In response, data from the wirelesscommunication device is communicated via the hot shoe to the camera body(see line (B)). Again, this data communication to the camera body mayinclude one or more flash data (e.g., from a remote flash device). Inthe example shown, the time delay period and iterative series of dataexchange repeat two more times before an image acquisition triggeroccurs. In one example, such repetition may occur until a trigger occursor a sleep status of the camera body is initiated (e.g., where a user ofthe camera body has half-pressed the trigger to activate one or moresensors of the camera and holds the half press). In such an example, oneor more settings and/or status of the camera may be modified during theiterations such that a subsequent iteration communicates such data tothe wireless communication device (which may communicate it to one ormore lighting devices). The “full trigger” timing plot (E) indicatesthat after the third iteration of the subsequent data exchange betweenthe camera body and the wireless communication device in this example,trigger voltage goes low and initiates an image acquisition.

FIG. 5 also includes exemplary timing plots for one exampleimplementation of wireless communication from a wireless communicationdevice to one or more remote devices (C) and wireless communication fromone or more remote devices to a wireless communication device (D). Inthis example, an initial series of data is received from a camera body(“initial burst of data”). In one example, if the initial seriesincludes a request for data from a lighting device to be controlled andthe wireless communication device is not configured to retrieve anactual value from a lighting device in real time, a value (e.g., anactual value, a default value) may be provided in a variety of ways. Inone example of a way to provide a value in response to a request wherean actual value is not available, a default value may be stored in amemory of the wireless communication device. Example sources for adefault value include, but are not limited to, a prior retrieved valuefrom one or more lighting devices (e.g., a value stored from a priorpower-on/wake status cycle, a value stored after a prior request by thecamera body), a default value set by a manufacturer of the wirelesscommunication device, a value set using one or more input controls onthe wireless communication device (e.g., a dial, an LED screen, abutton, etc.), and any combinations thereof.

After the initial series is received from the camera body in the currentexample of FIG. 5, the wireless communication device responds with aseries of data (e.g., flash data obtained as discussed above). The plot(D) for wireless communication from the wireless communication deviceillustrates a wireless communication to one or more remote devicesduring the time of hot shoe inactivity between the initial data exchangeand the first iterative data exchange between the camera body and thewireless communication device. This wireless communication may requestone or more data elements from the one or more remote lighting devices.During this same period of inactivity, a wireless communication occursfrom one or more remote devices to the wireless communication devicewith a response to the data request. Thus, in this example, when thecamera body makes it's next request for data, the memory of the wirelesscommunication device will have an actual value with which to respond.Subsequent periods of activity in this example also illustrate wirelessexchanges of data between the wireless communication device and one ormore remote devices (e.g., to update data, to obtain data requested fora first time in a subsequent data communication from the camera body).

FIG. 5 also illustrates exemplary hot shoe communication between acamera body and a wireless communication device during an example ofimage acquisition. In this example, image acquisition occurs using anexample of a TTL process. After full trigger activation (illustrated asa voltage drop on the full trigger line), the camera body communicates aseries of data via the hot shoe to the wireless communication device toinstruct a lighting device to arm for TTL preflash (“arm for preflash”).The wireless communication device wirelessly communicates datareflecting the arm for preflash command to one or more lighting devicesand/or communicate data to a local lighting device (e.g., lightingdevice 450) connected to a pass-through hot shoe connector of thewireless communication device. The camera body next communicates via thehot shoe a data command for preflash fire (“fire preflash”). Thewireless communication device wirelessly communicates data reflectingthe preflash fire command to one or more lighting devices and/orcommunicate data to a local lighting device (e.g., lighting device 450)connected to a pass-through hot shoe connector of the wirelesscommunication device. The preflash arming and firing sequence shown inFIG. 5 is simultaneous for the one or more lighting devices (e.g., localand/or remote). Subsequently, the one or more lighting devices fire anda TTL metering process occurs. It is contemplated that a wirelesscommunication device may be configured to communicate a TTL preflasharming and firing sequence for each of one or more lighting devices tobe controlled and/or sets of one or more lighting devices to becontrolled in a sequence. In such an example, metering may beaccomplished for each lighting device or set of lighting devicesseparately. After metering, the camera body communicates via the hotshoe TTL exposure values for adjusting from the metered preflash to thewireless communication device. The wireless communication devicecommunicates the TTL exposure values to the one or more lighting devicesto be controlled. In one example, exposure values are determined andcommunicated for each of the one or more lighting devices and/or sets oflighting devices. In another example, an exposure value is communicatedfor all lighting devices. Subsequently, the synchronization signal(“sync signal”) of the camera body goes low and is communicated to thewireless communication device (e.g., via the center synchronizationcontact of the hot shoe connector), which in turn communicates the syncsignal (e.g., via a pass-through hot shoe, via wireless communication)to the one or more light devices to be controlled.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a wirelesscommunication device 600 having a bypass connector. Elements of wirelesscommunication device 600 that are similar to elements of wirelesscommunication device 305 of FIG. 3 and wireless communication device 600have similar functions and configuration as described above (e.g., withrespect to FIG. 3) except as indicated. Wireless communication device600 includes a first hot shoe connector 605. Hot shoe connector 605 isconfigured as a male hot shoe connector. Hot shoe connector 605 includesa center synchronization contact 610 and a plurality of data contacts615. FIG. 6 is shown with two data contacts for convenience of view.Wireless communication device 600 also includes an second hot shoeconnector 620 (a pass-through hot shoe connector). Hot shoe connector620 is configured as a female hot shoe connector. Hot shoe connector 620includes a center synchronization contact 625 and a plurality of datacontacts 630. Hot shoe connector 620 is shown with two data contacts forconvenience of view. Contacts 625 and 630 are shown as raised contactfor convenience of view. In another example, contacts 625 and 630 areflat surface contacts (e.g., typical female hot shoe contacts).

Wireless communication device 600 includes a processor 635 and a memory640. Processor 635 controls aspects of the operation of wirelesscommunication device 600 (e.g., data communication via data contacts615, 630, synchronization communication via sync contacts 610, 625,wireless communication, intelligence related to determining which dataelements to update,). Memory 640 is electrically connected withprocessor 635. Device 600 also includes a wireless communicationcircuitry 645 and an antenna 650. Wireless communication device 600includes a power source 655 for providing power to one or more of thecomponents of wireless communication device 600.

Processor 635 is shown with wired connection (e.g., direct, indirect) tocontacts 610, 615 and wired connection (e.g., direct, indirect) tocontacts 625, 630 of hot shoe connector 620. In the example shown,contacts of hot shoe connector 605 and 620 are connected to processor635 and not directly connected to each other. In another example, one ormore of corresponding contacts of hot shoe connectors 605 and 620 may bewired as direct pass-throughs. In one such example, one or more directpass-throughs may be electrically tapped to a connection to processor635 so that processor 635 may control and/or monitor communication viathe direct pass-through. In yet another example, processor 635 controlscommunication between contacts of hot shoe connector 605 and hot shoeconnector 620.

FIG. 7 illustrates electrical connections and internal circuitry of anexemplary wireless communication module 700 having a pass-through hotshoe connection. Elements of wireless communication module 700 that aresimilar to elements of wireless communication device 305 and/or 600 andwireless communication device 700 itself have similar functions andconfiguration as described above except as indicated. Module 700includes a processor 710 and a memory 720. Processor 710 controls theoperation of module 700 and information that may be communicatedwirelessly to and/or from module 700. Memory 720 is in electricalcommunication with processor 710. Memory 720 may include machineexecutable instructions that may be executed by processor 710 inoperating module 700. Module 700 includes a wireless communicationcircuitry 730 and an antenna 735 that are in electrical communicationwith processor 710.

Module 700 also includes a hot shoe connector 740 and a hot shoeconnector 745, each positioned on a body of module 700. Hot shoeconnector 740 is configured for connection to a hot shoe connector of acamera body. Hot shoe connector 745 is configured for connection to ahot shoe connector of an accessory device (e.g., a flash device). Hotshoe connector 740 includes a center synch contact 760 and threeadditional contacts 765, 770, 775. Hot shoe connector 745 includes acenter synch contact 780 and three additional contacts 785, 790, and795. It is contemplated that alternative hot shoe configurations may beused that have any number of one or more contacts. Contacts 760, 765,770, and 775 are connected to contacts 780, 785, 790, and 795,respectively, by electrical connections 797. Electrical connections 797are configured to allow information from a camera body connected to hotshoe connector 740 to pass via the appropriate connector channel to thecorresponding contact of hot shoe connector 745. In another example,electrical connections 797 are configured to allow information from anaccessory device connected to hot shoe connector 745 to pass via theappropriate connector channel to the corresponding contact of hot shoeconnector 740. Exemplary structures for each of electrical connections797 include, but are not limited to, a wire, a printed circuit boardelectrical path, spring contact, and any combinations thereof. In oneexample, one or more data or other signal communicated via electricalconnections 797 may be accessed by processor 710. In another exemplaryaspect, information communication via electrical connections 797 toand/or from hot shoe connector 740 to and/or from hot shoe connector 745need not pass through processor 710 for communications between aconnected camera body and a connected accessory device.

Module 700 also includes electrical connections 799 that provideelectrical connection (e.g., a tapping) between electrical connections797 and processor 710. Electrical connections 799 allow processor 710 tomanage information from a camera body connected to hot shoe connector740 and to pass the information (e.g., as raw information and/or afterappropriate formatting) to wireless communication circuitry 730 forwireless communication to a remote device via antenna 735. In anotherimplementation, where wireless communication circuitry 730 includesreceiver circuitry (e.g., as a separate circuit, as a transceiver),electrical connections 799 may allow processor 710 to manage informationwirelessly received by module 700 and to pass the information (e.g., asraw information and/or after appropriate formatting) via electricalconnections 797 to a camera body connected to hot shoe connector 740.

The connection path including center synch contacts 760 and 780 (and acorresponding one of electrical connections 797) may be utilized totransmit a synchronization signal from the camera body to an attachedaccessory. The synchronization signal may also be received by processor710 via a corresponding one of electrical connections 799 for wirelesscommunication to one or more remote devices. In alternative embodimentsinformation other than a synchronization signal may be passed using thisconnection path (e.g., information representing a shutter speed).Additional contacts 765, 770, and 775, and additional contacts 785, 790,and 795 (and corresponding ones of electrical connections 797) may beconfigured to pass a variety of different information to and/or from acamera body connected to module 700. In one example, one connection pathmay be utilized for a clock signal from an attached camera body. A clocksignal may be utilized by an attached accessory and/or a remote devicefor synchronizing data transfer to/from camera and device. In anotherexample, one or more of the connection paths may be configured forexchange of serial camera and/or flash data (e.g., TTL information).

Referring again to FIG. 7, in certain situations where a local hot shoeflash is connected to the hot shoe connector 745 it may not be desirableto have the local flash fire. Such situations include, but are notlimited to, when using one or more remote flashes and taking an image ofa larger scene more appropriately lit by the remote flashes, situationswhere the glare of the local flash would be inappropriate, such as neara mirror or glass window.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a wireless communication module800. Wireless communication module 800 is configured similarly to (andhas similar functionality as) wireless communication module 700 of FIG.7, except as discussed below. Module 800 includes a hot shoe connector840 having contacts 860, 865, 870, 875 and a hot shoe connector 845having contact 880, 885, 890, 895. Module 800 also include a controlcircuit (e.g., processor) 810, a memory 820, a wireless communicationcircuitry 830, an antenna 835, and electrical connections 797, 799.Module 800 includes a switching element 805. Switching element 805 isconnected to a center synch contact 860 of a hot shoe connector 840 viaa first electrical connection and connected to a center synch contact880 of a hot shoe connector 845 via a second electrical connection.Switching element 805 intercepts signals between center synch contacts860 and 880. A processor 810 controls the operation of switch 805.Switch 805 may selectively connect center synch contact 860 with centersynch contact 880 utilizing control by processor 810. Processor 810remains connected to center synch contact 860 via one of electricalconnections 899. In one example, a mechanical switching device (e.g., abutton, toggle, etc.) on module 800 may be actuated by a user to setswitch 805 to a desired location. Alternatively, switch 805 may becontrolled directly via a mechanical switch of module 800 without thecontrol of processor 810. In another example, a solid state switch 805may be controlled via processor 830 and a mode set by a user (e.g., viaa mechanical switch on module 800) of module 800. In yet anotherexample, processor 830 (e.g., in conjunction with instructions stored ina memory 820) may monitor operating conditions of a camera connected tohot shoe connector 840 and utilizing the operating conditions set a modeof operation of module 800 to have switch 805 selectively connect ordisconnect one or more connectors of hot shoe connector 845 fromcorresponding one or more connectors of hot shoe connector 840. In oneexample, a camera may be programmed to allow a user to set one of aplurality of modes (e.g., using a control, such as a screen and/orbutton, of the camera) for determining the connectivity of hot shoeconnector 845 to one or more commands or information from the camera.Processor 810 may detect information from the camera regarding thisselected mode and instruct switch 805 accordingly.

In one example of operation of module 800, when switch 805 intercepts(i.e., blocks) a synchronization signal sent by a camera body connectedto hot shoe connector 840, the synchronization signal may be received byprocessor 810 for wireless transmission to one or more remote flashdevices. In this way, the local flash device connected to hot shoe 845will not fire, while the one or more remote flash devices will fire.Similarly, by switching switch 805 to have the synchronization signalonly go to the local hot shoe flash, the one or more remote flashdevices will not fire. This may be desirable when taking close-up imagesof near objects (e.g., where side lighting from one or more remotelighting devices may not be appropriate for the imaging situation).

In an alternative embodiment, switch 805 may intercept a different oradditional one or more communication paths formed by one or more ofelectrical connections 897 between connectors of the two hot shoeconnectors 840 and 845. For example, switch 805 may be configured tointercept a communication path utilized for a clocking signal. Incertain situation (e.g., synchronous serial communication), if aclocking signal is not received by an accessory device connected to hotshoe 845, the accessory device will not be instructed to act upon otherinformation that is received via one or more of the other additionalconnectors.

One exemplary advantage of a wireless communication module having aswitching element, such as switching element 805 of module 800 of FIG.8, is that an un-powered accessory device connected to a hot shoe of amodule may impact the capacitance of one or more communication paths (orother electrical properties) such as to negatively impact signalstransmitted. A switched communication path may prevent thecapacitance-impact on that communication path. In one example, one ormore communication paths may be switched. In another example, allcommunication paths may be switched.

One exemplary advantage of a wireless communication module with a secondhot shoe connector is that wireless communication capability can beprovided to a camera body via the hot shoe of the camera body whilestill allowing the camera body to take advantage of a hot shoe accessorydevice, such as a local external flash. In another exemplary aspect,such an advantage may be achieved with a wireless module and accessorydevice affixed directly to the hot shoe of the camera body. In oneexample, a wireless communication module of the present disclosure maybe sized and shaped to add a minimal amount of weight and volume to thesize of the camera, even when an accessory device is attached thereto.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary camera body 905 having a hot shoeconnector 910. Camera body 905 may communicate with one or more remotelighting devices, such as a lighting device 915 utilizing a wirelesscommunication device 920 and a wireless communication device 925.Wireless communication devices 920, 925 include similar functionalityand configuration as other wireless communication devices describedherein, except as described differently below.

Wireless communication device 920 is positioned proximate camera body905 and wireless communication device 925 is positioned proximatelighting device 915. Wireless communication device 920 may obtain asynchronization signal from camera body 905 in a variety of ways. In oneexemplary aspect, a synchronization signal may be utilized tosynchronize the emission of light from lighting device 915 with imageacquisition using camera body 905. Examples of ways to obtain asynchronization signal from a camera body include, but are not limitedto, from a hot shoe of a camera body, from a PC connector of a camerabody, from an optical emission from a camera body, from an opticalemission from a lighting device connected to a camera body, from aninternal connection of a camera body, and any combinations thereof.

As shown in FIG. 9, wireless communication device 925 is positionedproximate lighting device 915. Synchronization information may becommunicated from a wireless communication device to a lighting devicein a variety of ways. Example ways include, but are not limited to, viaa wired connection from a wireless communication device to an externalsynchronization port (e.g., a PC connector or other synchronizationconnector) on a lighting device, via a connection (e.g., via a wire, viadirect connection) of a wireless communication device to a hot shoe of alighting device, via optical communication between a wirelesscommunication device and a lighting device, via internal connectionwithin a lighting device (e.g., where a wireless communication device isinternal to a lighting device), and any combinations thereof.

Wireless communication device 920, as shown in FIG. 9, includes anoptical sensor 930. An optical sensor may be any optical sensor (e.g.,visible sensor, IR sensor) configured to detect an optical signal from acamera body and/or a device associated with a camera body (e.g., a flashdevice inserted in a hot shoe of a camera body). A flash device 935 isconnected to camera body 905 via hot shoe connector 910. As discussedabove, wireless communication device 920 is positioned proximate camerabody 905. Flash device 935 includes a light emission element 940 (e.g.,a flash tube). In an alternative embodiment, camera body 905 may includean internal flash device that may act similarly to flash device 935.Wireless communication device 920 includes an antenna 945 andappropriate transmitter and, optionally, receiver circuitry (e.g., atransceiver) connected thereto for wirelessly communicating using radiofrequency. Wireless communication device 920 is shown with an externalantenna. It is contemplated that a wireless communication device mayhave an internal antenna instead of (or in addition to) an externalantenna. Wireless communication device 925 includes an antenna 950 andappropriate receiver and, optionally, transmitter circuitry (e.g., atransceiver) connected thereto for wirelessly communicating using radiofrequency. Wireless communication device 925 also includes an opticalemission element 955. Optical emission element 955 may include anyoptical emission element capable of emitting an optical signal fordetection by an optical sensor 960 of lighting device 915.

In one exemplary implementation, camera body 905 may communicatesynchronization information and/or other camera data (e.g., camera data,ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation, information representing ashutter speed, etc.) via hot shoe connector 910 to flash device 935.Flash device 935 emits light via light emission element 940 representingthe synchronization information and/or other camera data (e.g. viapulses of light). Optical sensor 930 detects the optical information andcircuitry of wireless communication device 905 processes theinformation. Part or all of the information may then be transmittedwirelessly via radio frequency utilizing transmission circuitry andantenna 945. Antenna 950 detects the radio frequency signal andcircuitry of wireless communication device 925 processes the information(e.g., synchronization and/or other camera data) for opticalcommunication via optical emission element 955 to optical sensor 960.Circuitry of lighting device 915 utilizes the information for propersynchronization and/or other control (e.g., TTL control, light powerregulation) of light emission from a lighting element 965 of lightingdevice 915.

In another exemplary implementation, wireless communication device 925may include an optional optical sensor 970. Wireless communicationdevice 920 may also include an optional optical emission element 975.Information from lighting device 915 (e.g., flash readiness, flashcapability) may be communicated to camera body 905 utilizing optical andradio frequency wireless communication. In such an example, informationfrom lighting device 915 may be converted by appropriate circuitry oflighting device 915 that may be emitted optically using lighting element965 as an optical signal (e.g., optical data pulses). Optical sensor 970detects the optical information and circuitry of wireless communicationdevice 925 processes the information for wireless communication usingradio frequency via a transmission circuitry and antenna 950. Antenna945 and receiver circuitry of wireless communication device 920 receivethe radio frequency transmission. Optical emission element 975 emits anoptical signal representing the information. The optical signal isdetected by an optional optical sensor 980 of flash device 935. Flashdevice 935 communicates the information to camera body 905 via hot shoeconnector 910. In an alternative implementation, optical sensor 980 maybe part of camera body 905 and information may be directly detected intocamera body 905.

FIG. 10 illustrates another implementation of a wireless communicationsystem 1000. Components of system 1000 may include similar functionalityto like components described above (e.g., with respect to FIG. 10)except as described as different below. A camera body 1005 includes ahot shoe connector 1010. Camera body 1005 may communicatesynchronization and/or other camera data to one or more remote lightingdevices, such as lighting device 1015, utilizing a radio frequencywireless communication device 1020 connected to camera body 1005 via hotshoe connector 1010. A wireless communication device 1025 is positionedproximate lighting device 1015. Wireless communication device 1020includes an antenna 1045 and appropriate transmitter and, optionally,receiver circuitry (e.g., a transceiver) connected thereto forwirelessly communicating using radio frequency. Wireless communicationdevice 1025 includes an antenna 1050 and appropriate receiver and,optionally, transmitter circuitry (e.g., a transceiver) connectedthereto for wirelessly communicating using radio frequency. Wirelesscommunication device 1025 also includes an optical emission element1055.

In one exemplary implementation, camera body 1005 may communicatesynchronization information and/or other camera data to wirelesscommunication device 1020 via hot shoe connector 1010. Part or all ofthe information may then be transmitted wirelessly via radio frequencyutilizing transmission circuitry and antenna 1045. Antenna 1050 detectsthe radio frequency signal and circuitry of wireless communicationdevice 1025 processes the information (e.g., synchronization and/orother camera data) for optical communication via optical emissionelement 1055 to optical sensor 1060. Circuitry of lighting device 1015utilizes the information for proper synchronization and/or other controlof light emission from a lighting element 1065 of lighting device 1015.

In another exemplary implementation, wireless communication device 1025may include an optional optical sensor 1070. Information from lightingdevice 1015 (e.g., flash readiness, flash capability) may becommunicated to camera body 1005 utilizing optical and radio frequencywireless communication. In such an example, information from lightingdevice 1015 may be converted by appropriate circuitry of lighting device1015 that may be emitted optically using lighting element 1065 as anoptical signal (e.g., optical data pulses). Optical sensor 1070 detectsthe optical information and circuitry of wireless communication device1025 processes the information for wireless communication using radiofrequency via a transmission circuitry and antenna 1050. Antenna 1045and receiver circuitry of wireless communication device 1020 receive theradio frequency transmission. Wireless communication device 1020communicates the information to camera body 1005 via hot shoe connector1010.

Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that whichis specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

1. An external photographic wireless communication device for connectionto a camera body, the device comprising: a first hot shoe connectorconfigured to connect to the camera body, the first hot shoe connectorincluding a first synchronization contact and a first set of one or moreadditional contacts; a second hot shoe connector configured to connectto one or more accessory devices, the second hot shoe connectorincluding a second synchronization contact and a second set of one ormore additional contacts; a first wired connection between said firstsynchronization contact and said second synchronization contact; aplurality of additional wired connections between said first set andsaid second set; a switching element in line with one or more switchedelectrical connections selected from the group consisting of one or moreof said plurality of additional wired connections, said first wiredconnection, and any combinations thereof, said switching elementconfigured to selectively disconnect said one or more switchedelectrical connections between said first hot shoe connector and saidsecond hot shoe connector; and a wireless communication circuitry forwirelessly communicating one or more signals from one or more of saidplurality of additional wired connection and said first wired connectionto one or more remote devices.
 2. A device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a processing element connected to said wireless communicationcircuitry and one or more of said plurality of additional wiredconnections and said first wired connection.
 3. A device according toclaim 2, wherein said processing element is configured to monitorcommunications on one or more of said plurality of additional wiredconnection and said first wired connection.
 4. A device according toclaim 2, wherein said processing element controls said switchingelement.
 5. A device according to claim 1, wherein said switchingelement selectively connects said first synchronization connector tosaid second synchronization connector using the first wired connection.6. A device according to claim 2, wherein said switching elementselectively connects said first synchronization connector to said secondsynchronization connector using the first wired connection, and whensaid first synchronization connector is connected to said secondsynchronization connector via said first wired connection and saidswitching element, the first wired connection is disconnected from saidprocessing element.
 7. A device according to claim 2, wherein saidswitching element selectively connects said first synchronizationconnector to said second synchronization connector using the first wiredconnection, and when said first synchronization connector isdisconnected from said second synchronization connector via said firstwired connection and said switching element, the first wired connectionis connected to said processing element.
 8. A device according to claim2, wherein said switching element selectively connects said firstsynchronization connector to said second synchronization connector usingthe first wired connection, and when said first synchronizationconnector is connected to said second synchronization connector via saidfirst wired connection and said switching element, the first wiredconnection is connected to said processing element.
 9. A deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein said processing element is configured tointercept one or more signals on one or more of said plurality ofadditional wired connections and said first wired connection.
 10. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein said switching element includes asolid-state switch.
 11. A device according to claim 10, wherein saidsolid-state switch disconnects and/or connects without the need forphysical disconnection and/or reconnection.
 12. A device according toclaim 1, wherein said switching element includes a first mode ofoperation for connecting said one or more switched electricalconnections between said first hot shoe connector and said second hotshoe connector, and a second mode of operation for disconnecting saidone or more switched electrical connections between said first hot shoeconnector and said second hot shoe connector.
 13. A device according toclaim 12, further comprising a manual control for selecting an operatingmode for the device from at least said first mode and said second mode.14. A device according to claim 12, further comprising a processingelement, said processing element configured to select an operating modefor the device from at least said first mode and said second mode.
 15. Adevice according to claim 12, further comprising: a memory elementincluding one or more instructions for monitoring electricalcommunications from said first hot shoe connector to determine anoperating condition of the camera; and a processing element configuredto use said one or more instructions to determine an operating conditionof the camera and to use the operating condition of the camera to selectan operating mode for the device from at least said first mode and saidsecond mode.
 16. A device according to claim 1, wherein said switchingelement is configured to allow serial TTL information from the camera tobe communicated from said first hot shoe connector to said second hotshoe connector and to selectively switch communication of asynchronization signal from said first hot shoe connector between saidsecond hot shoe connector and a processing element controlling wirelesscommunication to one or more remote devices.
 17. An externalphotographic wireless communication device for connection to a camerabody, the device comprising: a first hot shoe connector configured toconnect to the camera body, the first hot shoe connector including afirst synchronization contact and a first set of one or more additionalcontacts; a second hot shoe connector configured to connect to one ormore accessory devices, the second hot shoe connector including a secondsynchronization contact and a second set of one or more additionalcontacts; a first wired connection between said first synchronizationcontact and said second synchronization contact; a plurality ofadditional wired connections between said first set and said second set;a switching element in line with said first wired connection, saidswitching element configured to selectively disconnect said first wiredconnection between said first hot shoe connector and said second hotshoe connector; and a wireless communication circuitry for wirelesslycommunicating one or more signals from said first wired connection toone or more remote devices.
 18. A device according to claim 17, furthercomprising a processing element connected to said wireless communicationcircuitry and said first wired connection.
 19. A device according toclaim 18, wherein said processing element controls said switchingelement.
 20. A device according to claim 18, wherein said switchingelement selectively connects said first synchronization connector tosaid second synchronization connector using the first wired connection,and when said first synchronization connector is connected to saidsecond synchronization connector via said first wired connection andsaid switching element, the first wired connection is disconnected fromsaid processing element.
 21. A device according to claim 18, whereinsaid switching element selectively connects said first synchronizationconnector to said second synchronization connector using the first wiredconnection, and when said first synchronization connector isdisconnected from said second synchronization connector via said firstwired connection and said switching element, the first wired connectionis connected to said processing element.
 22. A device according to claim18, wherein said switching element selectively connects said firstsynchronization connector to said second synchronization connector usingthe first wired connection, and when said first synchronizationconnector is connected to said second synchronization connector via saidfirst wired connection and said switching element, the first wiredconnection is connected to said processing element.
 23. A deviceaccording to claim 18, wherein said processing element is configured tointercept one or more signals on one or more of said plurality ofadditional wired connections and said first wired connection.
 24. Adevice according to claim 17, wherein said switching element isconfigured to allow serial TTL information from the camera to becommunicated from said first hot shoe connector to said second hot shoeconnector and to selectively switch communication of a synchronizationsignal from said first hot shoe connector between said second hot shoeconnector and a processing element controlling wireless communication toone or more remote devices.
 25. An external photographic wirelesscommunication device for connection to a camera body, the devicecomprising: a first hot shoe connector configured to connect to thecamera body, the first hot shoe connector including a first plurality ofcontacts, the first plurality of contacts including a firstsynchronization contact and a first set of one or more additionalcontacts; a second hot shoe connector configured to connect to one ormore accessory devices, the second hot shoe connector including a secondplurality of contacts, the second plurality of contacts including asecond synchronization contact and a second set of one or moreadditional contacts; a means for connecting each of the first pluralityof contacts to a corresponding respective one of the second plurality ofcontacts; a means for selectively connecting and disconnecting one ormore of said first plurality of contacts with the correspondingrespective one of said second plurality of contacts; and a means forwirelessly communicating to one or more remote devices one or moresignals from one or more of said first plurality of contacts that isdisconnected from the corresponding respective one of said secondplurality of contacts.